Give geographical reasons for the following:

(a) Xerophytic plants have long roots.

(b) Forests prevent floods.

(c) Tropical deciduous forests are commercially most exploited.

(a) Xerophytic plants have long roots because it enables the plants to absorb water from great depths. It is an adaptation of xerophytic plants to survive in desert area.

(b) Forests prevent floods as the dense vegetation of forests acts as a natural barrier, intercepting and slowing down rainfall. Trees and plants absorb and store water, reducing runoff and preventing excessive water from entering rivers or streams, thus mitigating flood risks.

(c) Tropical deciduous forests are commercially most exploited because besides providing valuable timber, they provide various other valuable products, like sandalwood. Moreover, they are less dense which makes transport between these forests and markets easier and economical.